International Balkan University’s (IBU) Balkan Research Center organized a conference titled “A Perspective for a Common Future: North Macedonia's Accession Process and EU-Türkiye Relations”.

After the registration process, the conference started with the opening remarks delivered by Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar, the Rector of IBU.

Following the opening remarks of Rector Sunar, the keynote speeches were delivered by Mr. Orhan Murtezani, Minister of European Affairs of North Macedonia, titled “Insights on North Macedonia’s EU Accession Path”, H.E. Andras Klein, Ambassador of Hungary to North Macedonia, titled “EU Enlargement Policy and Balkans Future”, and H.E. Fatih Ulusoy, Ambassador of Türkiye to North Macedonia, titled “Türkiye's Role in the Regional Dynamics and EU Relations”.

In the scope of the conference, two panel discussions with different topics were held.

The panel discussion titled “Reinvigorating European Integration of the Balkans and Türkiye’s Role as a Stabilizing Factor” was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Ivan Ivanov from International Balkan University, meanwhile the panelists were Mr. Dragan Tilev, State Councilor for EU Affairs, MEP North Macedonia; Dr. Simonida Kacarska, Director at European Policy Institute – Skopje; and Prof. Dr. Ali Resul Usul from Anadolu University.

In addition, the panel discussion titled “The Impact of the EU on Relations between Türkiye and North Macedonia” was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Flamur Ismaili from International Balkan University, while the panelists were Asst. Prof. Dr. Enes Bayraklı from Turkish-German University; and Asst. Leposava Ognjanoska Stavrovska from International Balkan University.

The event "A Perspective for a Common Future: North Macedonia's Accession Process and EU-Türkiye Relations" focused on the challenges and opportunities in the European integration of North Macedonia, with a special emphasis on the role of the EU and Türkiye. Held on November 12, 2024, the event aimed to explore how these three actors could cooperate more effectively, especially in light of recent geopolitical changes. The event featured high-level speeches and an expert panel, bringing together representatives from government, academia, think tanks, and civil society.

Key goals included influencing policy-making, raising awareness of the need for a unified approach to enlargement, and establishing the International Balkan University (IBU) as a key player in EU integration discussions. The event also aimed to address the evolving geopolitical situation, particularly following the war in Ukraine, and the strategic importance of Türkiye in European security.

The discussions highlighted the potential for closer cooperation between the EU, Türkiye, and North Macedonia, particularly as North Macedonia moves forward with its EU aspirations. Additionally, the event helped boost IBU’s visibility and foster relationships with key stakeholders and the media.